British Army SAS/PARA Airborne - Bergen / Rucksack

This guide is intended to help Ebay bidders avoid being scammed by unknowledgeable and/or dishonest sellers. It also sheds light on the term "Bergen".

All British soldiers today call their rucksacks "Bergens" (Often miss-spelt as "Bergans"). The term comes from the original '42 Pattern external 'A' frame rucksack that was closely modelled on skiers' rucksacks made or used at Bergen, Norway.

Elite units, ie: Airborne Forces (SAS, Para, Gliderborne and Glider pilots) and Seaborne Forces (Commando), were issued these rucksacks. Because of the nature of their operations, they were required to be self-supporting and, usually, carry all that they needed to survive and continue their operations independently of the larger logistical structure of the army. Hence the term "Bergen Soldiers", a phrase that seems out of date today. The ethos remains the same: self-reliant, fighting elite men who tackle the most dangerous missions, operate independently in isolation and for protracted periods.

The '42 Bergen was replaced by the '72 Patt "Rucksack SAS" - also known as the "SAS/PARA" or "Airborne" Bergen. (NSN 8465-99-136-1886) This had a square external frame that was also used for carrying the Clansman PRC 351 and 352 radio sets. From habit, these were called "Bergens" - despite the fact that, strictly speaking, they weren't because of the shape of the frame and pack.

With the introduction of the PLCE webbing, the '72 Patt Rucksack was replaced by the '90 Patt PLCE internal frame rucksack which, a short while later, was replaced by the '95 Patt. The '95 Pattern was identical except for it's camouflage fabric. Both types of these rucks had numerous variants: convoluted backs, quick release shoulder straps, etc, and they come in two sizes, "Long Back" and "Short Back". All of these are standard issue and not exclusive to elite fighting forces.

As part of the '72 Pattern Trials web set, there was a smaller rucksack. The Trials rucksack was modified and then issued as the "GS Rucksack". (NSN 8465-99-132-2813) Note that the "GS" stands for "General Service", ie: standard issue. These are frequently being offered on eBay as SAS or PARA and/or as SAS and PARA "Patrol Bergens": these claims are completely false and they're an attempt to sell an inexpensive, standard issue item as elite fighting forces kit. The GS rucksack was far too small for Airborne Forces use and were banned for use in Airborne units, not that the ban had to be enforced: no self-respecting Para would want to be seen dead with this rucksack! Only trainees on an All Arms Para Selection Induction might be permitted to use these whilst they were a undergoing Selection at Depot PARA, Aldershot. Once qualified and in an Airborne unit, they'd have to carry full scales of equipment like everyone else in the unit.

The main tips to recognising a genuine SAS/PARA "Bergen" from a GS rucksack are easy. The GS is far smaller, has no zipped compartment in the lid, no zip on the outer central pouch and the lid closure straps are buckle adjusted instead of tied. There is no provision for sliding a shovel or skis behind the side pouches. There are no snapper studs on the side pouches (for folding and securing them flat), no accessory loops on the body front and lid and there are two visible 1" straps on the lid, leading to the D Rings for the shoulder straps. Do not be fooled if a rucksack is photographed on the same frame - the GS is designed to be used with the same frame and shoulder straps. With the frame fitted, very little equipment can be carried in the main body - certainly not enough to make fitting the frame worthwhile!

One final point: Originally, all '72 Pattern rucksacks had manufacturer details ink stamped onto the inside lids. On earlier rucks, these were very neat and they numbered several lines. After a time, the "SAS" was omitted from the line "Rucksack, SAS". On some production batches, there is extremely little in the way of markings - and some are "sterile", ie: with no markings at all. Later rucks have markings that appear to have been hand rubber stamped on. The markings, or lack of them, do not necessarily indicate an imitation.

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Webbingbabel Webbing used to make military belts, packs and pouches, and by extension also refers to the items themselves. Babel from old Hebrew stem-word balal Confound. Webbing ConfusionWant more than a one-sentence bio? Click on over to theAbout Me page.